Cooker fire stings Mister Bee

Fire Chief Eric Taylor said the fire department was dispatched to the facility at 511 32nd St. about 2 p.m. Tuesday on a fire call.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that a fire had started in the fryer cooking area, which was contained to the piece of cooking equipment that was involved. The building did not sustain any fire damage.

“The building was evacuated and utilities were shot off as a precaution,” Taylor said.

No injuries were reported.

Taylor said the cause remains under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental in nature.

Investigators will try to determine if mechanical failure, human error or some other factor was involved.

The extent of the damage and the effect on the company’s production were not known Tuesday, Taylor said.

The specialized piece of equipment will have to be examined to determine how extensive any damage is and how long it will take to conduct repairs, Taylor said.

“I’ve spoken to company representatives and it will be a day or so before they are able to determine the extent of damage, but the fire was limited to the piece of equipment,” said Taylor.

Fire crews remained for about 90 minutes checking for fire extension. Fire investigators will be working to determine a cause.